Mid-Season Top Prospect Review: #36-41, Danny Muno to Joe Tuschak

It's time to take a mid-season look back at my Preseason Top 41 Prospects list. THIS IS NOT A RE-RANKING. Instead, this was my take on the system last winter. After I look at the guys in my Top 41, we'll look at some of the big risers during the 2012 season.

This is a fun series to write as I grade my own work. Some things I got right. Some I got wrong.

Each player's name should link back to his scouting report from this past winter.

Reality: He hit, mostly played second base, but mixed in a few at third and then was busted for an anabolic steroid. How much extra power did he pick up from the juice?

Stock: Down. It's not the suspension as much as the missed development time for a 23-year old who should have been pushing for a promotion to double-A by now.

Basic

AB

H

2B

3B

HR

BB

SO

SF

SAC

HBP

AVG

OBP

SLG

2011 - NYP

220

78

23

3

2

43

39

0

1

3

.355

.466

.514

2012 - FSL

152

43

10

1

5

12

26

0

3

1

.283

.339

.461

Advanced

XBH%

SO%

BB%

HR%

BABIP

ISO

2011 - NYP

10.5

14.6

16.1

0.7

.425

.159

2012 - FSL

9.5

15.5

7.1

3.0

.314

.178

#37 - RHP Taylor WhitentonWhat I Thought: Whitenton's fastball would play up out of the bullpen and combined with his high, slightly unusual arm slot, he would be would advance through the system as a reliever.

Reality: He's a reliever, but he's not advancing and his walk-rate is a career-high. Since June 1, Whitenton has been untouchable: 1.27 ERA, 21.1 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HB, 12 BB, 27 K. 13.9, but even at his best, he's still walking 5.1 batters per nine.

Stock: Down.

Basic

ERA

G/GS

IP

H

R

ER

HR

BB

SO

HBP

WP

10 SAL

4.57

26/18

108.3

110

60

55

6

68

113

6

5

11 SAL

2.49

26/22

112

77

39

31

6

48

119

5

4

12 FSL

2.20

28/0

41

29

11

10

0

25

48

4

5

Advanced

BB/9

SO/9

SO/BB

HR/9

H/9

R/9

BB%

SO%

HR%

TBF

10 SAL

5.7

9.4

1.7

0.5

9.1

5.0

13.8

23.0

1.2

492

11 SAL

3.9

9.6

2.5

0.5

6.2

3.1

10.5

25.9

1.3

459

12 FSL

5.5

10.5

1.9

0.0

6.4

2.4

17.1

32.9

0.0

146

#38 - RHP Rafael MonteroWhat I Thought: I wrote that he "has one of the most explosive arms in the lower levels of the system regularly working in the low-90s, with the ability to throw mid-90s when he airs it out. He has the beginnings of a breaking ball and throws strikes, lots and lots of strikes."Reality: Explosive is a little high on his arm, but the strikes part was right. He was regularly 91-91 and could reach back for 94. On the other hand, his command of the pitch was really impressive for a 21-year old. He succeeded in the SAL on his fastball and changeup early, but began using his slider more as his time progressed before his promotion at the All-Star Break. If his slider develops, he could well be a rotation piece.

Stock: Up and Up.

Basic

ERA

G/GS

IP

H

R

ER

HR

BB

SO

HBP

WP

11 Total

2.15

17/12

71

55

23

17

4

13

66

5

4

12 SAL

2.52

12/12

71.3

61

24

20

4

8

54

1

2

12 FSL

2.80

3/3

19.3

13

6

6

0

6

15

1

0

Advanced

BB/9

SO/9

SO/BB

HR/9

H/9

R/9

BB%

SO%

HR%

TBF

11 Total

1.6

8.4

5.1

0.5

7.0

2.9

4.6

23.2

1.4

285

12 SAL

1.0

6.8

6.8

0.5

7.7

3.0

2.8

18.9

1.4

286

12 FSL

2.8

7.0

2.5

0.0

6.1

2.8

8.2

20.5

0.0

73

#39 - Cam MaronWhat I Thought: Josh Thole Jr. - a catcher with some on-base skills but a short arm.

Reality: Josh Thole Jr. Maron does get extra credit for his ability to speak Spanish and the work he puts in with his pitchers. However, he's thrown out just three of 46 attempted basestealers a caught stealing rate of 6.5%. That's problematic.

Stock: Similar

Basic

G

AB

H

2B

3B

HR

BB

SO

SF

Sac

HBP

AVG

OBP

SLG

2010 GCL

20

48

15

1

1

1

7

8

0

3

1

.313

.411

.438

2011 APP

58

201

64

8

1

3

38

34

0

6

3

.318

.434

.413

2012 SAL

54

218

65

13

1

3

23

51

2

1

4

.298

.372

.408

Advanced

XBH%

SO%

BB%

HR%

BABIP

2010 GCL

5.1

13.6

11.9

1.7

.359

2011 APP

4.8

13.7

15.3

1.2

.372

2012 SAL

6.9

20.6

9.3

1.2

.373

#40 - Travis TaijeronWhat I Thought: I liked the power and patience Taijeron showed in his professional debut in 2011 with the Cyclones. He was ranked here because I felt as though he would have to move off centerfield to left, and was concerned about his strikeouts, and the fact that he would start 2012 as a 23-year old.

Reality: I like the power and patience, but he has moved to leftfield and struck out a lot. As of July 10, his 16 homeruns are tied with Aderlin Rodriguez and Cory Vaughn for the Mets' organization lead. Mechanically, he works off a very deep load that results in swing with a near arm-bar that concerns scouts who think it will prevent him from hitting for a high enough average to play on the corner.

Stock: Up, but by less than fans assume. A 23-year old in a-ball had better hit enough to earn a promotion, or he'll be looking at a release relatively soon.

Pics and Observations from PSL: Conforto, Callaway, Wright and deGrom

Feb. 17, 2018: General photo from grass of Field 7 at FirstData Field in St. Lucie (Matthew Cerrone, SNY)

It was great to see Michael Conforto on the field, throwing, catching, laughing and again looking like a baseball player. In general, he appears to be less strong, but that is to be expected given the intense surgery he had on his shoulder as well as the extensive rehab that followed.

That said, he's moving fine. He did all stretches with teammates before long tossing from the foul line to center field and had no issues catching the baseball. He didn't hit, of course, but that will come...

Mickey Callaway hasn't been around David Wright all thatmuch yet, but such an impression has been made on the new manager that he wants Wright around the team as much as his rehab will permit.

Wright has been limited to just 75 games in the last three years due to injuries, missing all of 2017, and is fighting an uphill battle to ever take another MLB at-bat. But Callaway already knows that Wright's value goes far beyond the batter's box as his leadership is invaluable.

"Everybody knows who David Wright is and the leader that he is," Callaway said...

David Wright: 'I'd love to play again, but my body has got to hold up'

Wright wants to be able to say he did everything he could

New York Mets captain David Wright meets the media in Port St. Lucie and updates his health status and rehab as he attempts to play again.

Mets 3B David Wright is realistic about the uphill climb ahead of him, but is not giving up on his goal to return.

"When it's all said and done I want me to be able to say I did everything I could," Wright said Saturday morning in Port St. Lucie. "If it works, that's obviously the goal. And if it doesn't work, then I'll rest easy knowing that I gave it my best shot."

Wright said he's still in the rehab process, and that he's been in constant communication with his doctors about determining the progression.

ICYMI today on MetsBlog

Feb 16 | 5:45PM

Share:

Feb 14, 2018; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; A general view of a New York Mets hat and glove on the grass during a workout at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports (Jasen Vinlove)

Off-the-field news carried the day, and plenty of other stuff happened at Spring Training. Here's what went down, in case you missed it...

The Mets signed LHP Jason Vargas to a two-year deal. He will have a spot in the rotation, meaning there is an open competition for the two remaining spots. >> Read more

In light of Vargas signing, Mets manager Mickey Callaway said a six-man rotation is not likely. >> Read more

This afternoon on Field 7, Adrian Gonzalez, Dominic Smith, Luis Guillorme, and Amed Rosario took infield together on the same dirt for the first time. And, on Day 1, they already look in sync, smooth, and more sound than any infield I have watched in these uniforms during the last decade...

I love watching sharp, quick and snappy infield practice. Done right, as it was today by the above foursome, there's barely any talking. It's just speed and constant activity swirling in and around itself, similar to a basketball shoot-around, all functioning like clockwork...

Read More

Share:

Who should lead off for the Mets this season?

With the acquisition of Todd Frazier, the Mets' contingent of position players is largely settled. But some questions remain, including one that has plagued the team for several seasons now: who will lead off?

On Friday, new Mets hitting coach Pat Roessler mentioned Frazier, Brandon Nimmo, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Jose Reyes as potential leadoff candidates. And there should be even more candidates than the above. So, who should it be?

The classic "old school" leadoff man is whoever is fastest -- who will steal the most bases? Of the Mets' projected starters, clearly Amed Rosario fits that mold best. He is projected to steal anywhere from 15-to-25 bases in 2018, and his raw speed is clearly elite...

Mets Spring Training Live: February 16

Feb 16 | 2:55PM

MetsBlog's Matt Cerrone and Abbey Mastracco of NJ.com wrap up the day on Spring Training Live.

Click below to watch

Read More

Share:

Mets would 'love' to have Tim Tebow open season with Double-A Binghamton

Feb 16 | 1:50PM

Share:

Tim Tebow is shown, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback practiced at the New York Mets' complex during his second workout as part of their instructional league team. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

The Mets would "love" to have minor league OF Tim Tebow open the season with Double-A Binghamton if he performs well during Spring Training, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag.

The 30-year-old Tebow received an invite to major league Spring Training earlier this offseason.

He joined the Mets organization in 2016, and played 126 combined games with Low-A Columbia and High-A St. Lucie last season, hitting .226/.309/.347 with eight home runs, 52 RBI, and 126 strikeouts...

"I don't think you can have too much pitching," Callaway said. "In our case, that would be wonderful. ... He can pitch. He's a guy that goes out there, does his job. Tremendous teammate, and he gave us some fits when we were facing him in Cleveland."

Regarding the potential of the Mets using a six-man rotation, Callaway made it sound like that was unlikely...

Read More

Share:

Mets sign free agent LHP Jason Vargas to two-year deal

Feb 16 | 10:44AM

Share:

BNNY: Mets sign Jason Vargas00:04:14

Anthony DiComo and Steve Gelbs join BNNY from Port St. Lucie to discuss the Mets giving Jason Vargas a two-year, $16 million deal.

The Mets have signed free agent LHPJason Vargas to a two-year deal. The deal is worth $16 million over two years, and contains a third-year option, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. It also contains incentives based on innings pitched that can be worth up to $1.5 million each season, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag.

The Mets had maintained "solid interest" in signing Vargas, who pitched under new pitcing coach Dave Eiland last season with the Royals, Mike Puma of the NY Post reported on Thursday.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | With the uncertainty surrounding Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler -- who all dealt with serious injury issues and ineffectiveness last season -- the Mets badly needed to add some stability to their starting rotation. And with Vargas, they've done it...

Read More

Share:

Gonzalez says he can 'absolutely' be the hitter he was a few years ago

Mets 1B Adrian Gonzalez said the back injury that ended his 2017 season prematurely has not been an issue this offseason, and that he has a "good grasp" on how to take care of it throughout this season.

Gonzalez, who said he switched his workout routine this offseason to focus more on physical therapy and pilates, believes he can be the hitter he was a few seasons ago.

"Absolutely," he said. "Last year, it's kind of like a crossout year for me."

Frazier, who last week signed a two-year, $17 million deal with the Mets, said he was happy to return close to his New Jersey hometown and enjoyed getting back into the swing of things with a new season.

"Good to be down here in sunny Florida, meeting some new guys and talking shop," Frazier said. "It's baseball time, so it's good. That lingo coming back, meeting the new coaching staff and players, it's good."

Read More

Share:

Mets Hot Stove: Gelbs interviews Nimmo

Feb 15 | 11:46PM

Share:

Gelbs sits down with Nimmo00:04:15

Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo took a break from Spring Training to talk with SNY's Steve Gelbs about his preparation for the 2018 season.

Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo took a break from Spring Training to talk with SNY's Steve Gelbs about his preparation for the 2018 season.

Share:

Jay Bruce at Spring Training: It feels like I never left

Feb 15 | 7:30PM

Share:

New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin/USA Today Sports Images)

Technically speaking, Jay Bruce is a new addition to the Mets. But he doesn't feel that way.

Of course, the slugger was with the Mets until August of last season when he was traded to the Indians. He had been with the Mets since August of the prior season when he came to the team a trade from the Reds. Now, having arrived in Port St. Lucie for spring training, Bruce says it feels comfortable to be back-- like he never left.

"It was very, very comfortable," Bruce said. "It was honestly like I never left. Obviously, I went and had a lot of fun and had some great experiences over in Cleveland, but I'm back here now and hopefully here for the long haul..."

Mets reportedly have interest in Vargas; Garcia signs with Blue Jays

In the wake of the Jaime Garcia and Andrew Cashner signings, the Baseball Night in NY panel talks possible landing spots for Jason Vargas.

The Mets have "solid interest" in signing free agent LHP Jason Vargas, who pitched under new pitcing coach Dave Eiland last season with the Royals, reports Mike Puma of the NY Post, who said the team also had interest in LHP Jaime Garcia.

However, the 31-year-old Garcia signed with the Blue Jays late Thursday afternoon on a one-year deal worth $8 million.

Vargas, 35, remains on the board. He had a 4.16 ERA (4.67 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 134 strikeouts in 179.2 innings (32 starts) in 2017.

Matt Harvey aiming to dominate again: 'There's a lot I want to prove'

On Baseball Night in New York, Matt Harvey discusses his expectations for himself coming off a disappointing 2017 season.

Mets RHP Matt Harvey, who dealt with serious injury issues in 2016 and 2017, is aiming to again be the dominant pitcher he was in 2013 and 2015.

"Going in to this year, I strive to be better than I was before," Harvey said on Thursday morning while speaking for the first time since last season. "There's no reason why I can't. I'm still 28, 29 years old. There's a lot left in the tank. I'm ready to go, I'm excited. The ball is coming out better than it has in a long time. I'm just excited."

Harvey returned from Thoracic Outlet surgery last season, and also dealt with an injury to his scapula that kept him out of action from June 15 to Sept. 2. And Harvey said he might have tried to do too much too soon...

Syndergaard discusses potential of rotation, Harvey's return, and more

Feb 15 | 12:35PM

Share:

Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard reiterated on Thursday that he had a "very different lifting method" this offseason in an effort to be more lean than last season -- when added muscle perhaps contributed to the lat injury that kept him out for most of the year.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Thursday morning that RHP Matt Harvey can break the bad mechanical habits that pitching coach Dave Eiland said he got into last season.

"He can definitely fix it," Callaway said. "And a lot of it is confidence, and the ability to go out there and throw the ball where you want to. One of the things that comes along with the issues that he was having physically, is the feel of the baseball. And when you can't feel the baseball the right way, and don't trust that it's gonna go where you want, then you become a more mechanical person, and not be the athlete that you wan't to be. He can definitely fix those bad habits for sure."

Harvey, who returned from Thoracic Outlet surgery last season, couldn't feel his fingers at times in 2016 before the surgery. And was not 100 percent back physically while pitching last season...

Mets RH reliever Anthony Swarzak, who was born and raised in Broward County, FL -- where Wednesday's mass shooting took the lives of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School -- discussed the shooting on Thursday morning. Swarzak's sister and cousins attended the school where the shooting happened, and his cousins still live in the area.

"I just started making phone calls to friends in the area," Swarzak said. "I grew up with some people that are baseball coaches down there. They know a lot of those Stoneman Douglas kids. From what I heard, all the baseball team is accounted for down there. That's not the case for some of the coaches and stuff, but, it's a time to reflect and to hopefully grow as a community. And try to get better at, just loving eachother."

"I played against that school growing up," Swarzak continued. "My sister went to that school, I have two cousins that graduated from that school. My heart -- it aches for those families, for all of Broward county, for all the United States.This is a sad time that we're living in. We all have to find a way to rise above it. Love conquers all. It really does. And it's a really sad thing."

The Mets have signed OF Matt den Dekker to a minor league deal that contains an invite to big league Spring Training, the team announced Thursday.

The 30-year-old den Dekker, who plays all three outfield positions, appeared in four games last season for the Tigers after spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Nationals. He began his career with the Mets, playing for them in 2013 and 2014.

He has hit .234/.316/.354 with seven HR in 158 games during his five-year career.

Noah Syndergaard took time out of his Spring Training routine to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to a very special person: Mrs. Met.

The Mets' right-hander and Mr. Met have sparred over Twitter for more than a year, including last Valentine's Day when Syndergaard made a veiled reference that he would be spending the day with the team's 56-year-old mascot's better half.

By Danny Abriano | Feb 14 | 5:30PM

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said SS Amed Rosario's talent is "right on par" with Francisco Lindor's, who was on the 2015-17 Indians teams while Callaway served as pitching coach.

The 24-year-old Lindor is a career .293/.349/.474 hitter with the Indians, and has been a plus defender at shortstop all three seasons.

"I've gotten to see a lot (of Rosario)," Callaway said Wednesday. "Unbelievable athlete. I think, obviously, right on par with (Francisco) Lindor. Extreme athletes can move around really well -- go left, right, good arm. He has all the tools."

Saying he's "never been around a collection of talent" like the pitching talent the Mets have, new pitching coach Dave Eiland was specifically asked on Wednesday about Matt Harvey, who he said got in some bad habits mechanically last season.

"Well, mechanically, I'll be honest with you," Eiland said. "It looks to me like he got in some bad habits, simply because he had some injuries. And he was probably doing something -- it looks to me like he was doing something with his lower half, to help his upper half -- which is his arm. So he got in some bad habits. He's aware of it. We've talked about it. We've looked at film."

The 28-year-old Harvey had a 6.70 ERA and 1.69 WHIP with just 67 strikeouts in 97.2 innings last season as he returned from Thoracic Outlet surgery. He also dealt with an injury to his scapula that kept him out of action from June 15 to Sept. 2.

Cespedes has reportedly promised Mets he won't golf during season

Feb 14 | 11:10AM

Share:

Apr 19, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) tosses his bat on his way to first base on a walk in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes "has promised the team he will not play golf during the season," former WFAN host Mike Francesa said Tuesday night on WOR.

Cespedes' golfing has been a topic of debate since his Mets tenure began.

He posted a photo of himself golfing during the 2016 season as he was simultaneously missing time on the field with a leg injury that eventually landed him on the disabled list.

SEE IT: Wednesday's happenings from Port St. Lucie

Feb 14 | 11:20AM

New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. (Noah K. Murray)

Today's sights and sounds from Port St. Lucie. We'll be updating throughout the day, with the most recent updates at the top...

Noah Syndergaard signs autographs...

Click below to see

Read More

Share:

Francesa says Mets are open to trading Juan Lagares for Joe Panik

Feb 14 | 10:30AM

Share:

Former WFAN host Mike Francesa says the Mets are open to trading OF Juan Lagares to the Giants for 2B Joe Panik.

"I don't know if they'll keep Lagares or not," Francesa said Tuesday on WOR. "I know the Giants want Lagares. The Mets are interested in Panik." When asked what the Mets would do with Asdrubal Cabrera if they traded for Panik, Francesa said they'd "let him play as a utility-man -- that's all. I know they like Panik a lot."

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | If Panik's defensive struggles last season were a one-year blip -- and if the Mets are comfortable using Nimmo in center field every day until Conforto returns -- dealing Lagares for Panik actually makes sense...

Callaway on d'Arnaud and Plawecki: 'Catchers that can get the job done'

Sep 25, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud (18) is congratulated by first baseman Kevin Plawecki (26) after hitting the game winning home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Mets manager Mickey Callaway expressed optimism on Tuesday that a platoon between catchers Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki can work this season, adding that he knows how hard it is to be a catcher.

"I think what we are going to do with the catching is going to be very important," Callaway said. "And I know how stressful it is to be a catcher. I sat next to catchers the last five years and constantly talked to them about what they need to do on a daily basis. And it is a lot."

And Callaway weighed in on the offensive potential of the two catchers, noting that they each bring something different to the table...

Callaway says idea of a designated closer seems 'silly'

Mets manager Mickey Callaway reiterated Tuesday that he does not plan to have a designated closer this season, instead choosing to deploy his relievers in the situations that put them and the team in the best position to succeed.

"I don't know who's going to come up (for the opposing team) in the ninth inning," Callaway added, explaining that the idea of choosing the closer in advance "seems kind of silly."

Whether Dominic Smith makes team will be a 'tough decision'

Should Gonzalez get the 1B job over Smith?

Feb 13 | 3:30PM

Mets manager Mickey Callaway discusses the tough decision between Dominic Smith and Adrian Gonzalez for who will start at first base.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Tuesday that, assuming the health of Adrian Gonzalez, it will be a tough decision regarding whether the team carries Dominic Smith or sends him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

"That's something that is going to be a tough decision," Callaway said. "Dom Smith has come into camp looking really good. He's in great shape, he did a great job this offseason of preparing. I had a talk with him, and the expectation for Dom is to go out there and do everything he can to be on the major league team."

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Callaway is saying what he has to say at this point. However, if Gonzalez is healthy, there is almost no chance Smith will be on the Opening Day roster. Even if the Mets carry five bench players to start the season, there will be no reason to carry Smith if he isn't the starting first baseman. Like Gonzalez, he can only play first base. And like Gonzalez, he's a left-handed hitter. And the aforementioned is why I was opposed to the Mets bringing Gonzalez aboard...

Read More

Share:

Mets Sights and Sounds from PSL: Tuesday, Feb. 13

Feb 13 | 3:15PM

Share:

Sights and Sounds: Tuesday00:00:56

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Tuesday's workouts at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Tuesday's workouts at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

From left, New York Mets pitchers Steven Matz, Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey and catcher Travis d'Arnaud walk off the field at the end of batting practice, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, in New York. The Mets will face the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (Julie Jacobson/AP)

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Tuesday that the new plans in place to keep the starting pitchers healthy are already showing dividends, adding that "processes and routines are what is going to truly keep these guys healthy going forward."

Callaway touched on the starting pitching depth the team has, said it's too early to determine the pecking order, and weighed in on Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz -- who all dealt with serious injuries and ineffectiveness last season.

"They all look really good in their pens," Calllaway said. "They're throwing the ball where they want to. If anything, we're having to pull them back a tad and say 'hey, don't overdo it. We know you feel great.' There's smiles on everyone's faces because they're coming in healthy, and what I've seen so far has kind of blown me away."

Read More

Share:

Mets Spring Training Live: Feb. 13

Feb 13 | 2:40PM

Share:

SNY's Steve Gelbs and MLB.com's Anthony DiComo wrap up the day on Spring Training Live.

Callaway confident Mets will contend: 'We have the players to do it'

The new manager said it will be on him if the team doesn't succeed

Mickey Callaway discusses how the Mets know they can contend in 2018 and that they have the players to do it.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway was asked during his first press conference of Spring Training whether he needed to "sell" the players on being able to contend. And he was not shy about his expectations.

"They look to their left and they look to their right and they know they can contend," Callaway said. "We have the players to do it."

"It's become very evident in my short time here. ... I have now spent some time with our coaching staff. I've spent time with our players. It is very evident that we are prepared in every way to go out there and do something special. If we do not do things, it's gonna be on me. The front office has gotten us the players. The coaching staff is the best coaching staff in the big leagues."